The read option took the NFL by storm down the stretch last season, but it's not going to take defensive coaches by surprise this time.

Football evolution is a history of offensive innovation leading to defensive adjustment. The read option works because it finally evens the numbers, forcing the defense to account for the quarterback even on running plays.

The offseason buzz phrase among NFL defensive coaches has been "attacking the mesh point," which is code for aggressively attacking the quarterback before he can force the defensive linemen and linebackers into a dilemma involving the running back.

"Every guy I've talked to is going to go after the quarterback," Madden said, via Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times. "That's going to be their answer. If you watch what they did last year, a lot of guys played the quarterback. If he pitches, get off him. If he keeps it, tackle him. Now, they're just going to go after him whether he pitches or not."